Mastering Your Inbox: A Personal Guide to Efficient Email Management

This week's article is written by my Operations Manager Rebecca Moore who loves to conquer those overloaded inboxes - Here Rebecca writes about her experience of dealing with those inboxes! Enjoy!

Hey there!

Let's talk about that notorious beast we all face daily: the inbox. Whether you're a manager like me, a creative soul, a student, or anyone else, chances are your inbox is a battlefield of unanswered messages, newsletters you never signed up for, and the occasional gem buried under it all.

?I get it. I see it all the time with my clients. Your inbox can feel overwhelming, like a never-ending to-do list that replenishes itself faster than you can tick items off. It's one of the tasks I find quite satisfying, providing that amazing feeling of helping someone and organising everything I can get my hands on! Neatly filed emails, uniform folder names, and knowing that clients can navigate through the flood of newsletters and spam to find the emails that truly need their attention.

But fear not, because I can help! I've got some tips and tricks to help you tame that unruly beast and turn your inbox into a well-oiled machine.

?First things first, let's declutter. Unsubscribe from those newsletters you never read (we all have them), and ruthlessly delete any old emails that no longer serve a purpose. Trust me, you'll feel lighter already. If you do need to keep emails for your records, you can always create an archive folder, so they are out of sight and out of mind until you need them.

?Next, let's talk about organisation. Create folders or labels to categorise your emails. Whether it's by project, client, or priority level, having a system in place will make it easier to find what you need when you need it. You can use labels so it’s easier to identify which emails need your attention and don't forget to use filters to automatically sort incoming emails into their respective folders – it's like magic!

Now, onto the art of prioritisation. Flag or mark emails that require immediate action, and schedule time in your day specifically for tackling them. As for the less urgent ones, set aside designated times for checking and responding to emails, rather than letting them interrupt your flow throughout the day. You can do this by time blocking within your diary!

Of course, no inbox management strategy would be complete without addressing the dreaded email overload. You know, those never-ending threads that seem to go on forever? Instead of getting sucked into the abyss, consider setting boundaries. Politely but firmly let people know your preferred method of communication and encourage them to keep emails concise and to the point. And remember, it's okay to say no – your time is precious, so use it wisely.

Last but not least, don't forget to take breaks. Constantly refreshing your inbox is a recipe for burnout, so give yourself permission to step away and recharge. Whether it's a walk in the park, a cup of tea, or a quick cuddle with your furry friend, taking time for yourself is essential for maintaining productivity and sanity.

?So, there you have it – my guide to inbox management. With a little bit of decluttering, organisation, prioritisation, and self-care, you'll be well on your way to conquering your inbox once and for all.

Until next time, happy emailing!

If you would like Rebecca and the team to tackle that overflowing inbox then why not take advantage of our special offer? For just ￡75.00 plus VAT let Rebecca tackle that inbox for you and start getting you organised! https://www.adminandmore.co.uk/email-inbox-clean-up

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